“I don’t think you’re inept, Hades. I think we’re both overwhelmed.” I lean forward to stab an apple piece, then coat it in the cheddar cheese—which must be magically enhanced since it’s not solidifying—and hold it up to his mouth. “Eat.”
He arches a brow but leans forward to take the morsel I’ve offered him.
I create one for myself as well, then we both chew in silence for a long moment.
“By my estimation, you have a few days before your heat comes,” he says after I’m done swallowing. “Once that happens, you’ll have to give us your decision, so we can properly care for you. If?—”
“Us?” I echo. “We?”
His eyebrow wings upward again. “You asked if I could alter the wards for Maliki or Morpheus.” The latter part of that comes out with a slight hiss to it, one that vanishes as he adds, “As that’s your desire, I’m going to work on it. Atleast for Maliki. For Morpheus… I need to talk to him first.”
“Oh,” I whisper.
“And, as I was saying,ifyou choose to accept us—any of us—during your heat, you’ll also need to voice your desire to be claimed. Which, from an Alpha, requires a bite, not just a knot.” His gaze slides to my neck before returning to my eyes. “You’ll also need to provide guidance on your preferences for procreation.”
My lips part. “I…”
“You don’t need to decide now, Serapina. It’s a lot. Unfortunately, time is not on our side, and I accept blame for that. Just know that… whatever you choose, I will respect it. And I’m fully aware that being bound to your soul does not give me exclusive rights to you or your body.”
He studies me for a long moment, then looks away.
“This is the only way I know how to support you, Serapina. By bringing in Maliki, I mean. He doesn’t have a knot, but he has other skills… I know he can make you comfortable. And when your heat starts, I’ll leave you with him while I lock myself away.”
I frown. “You’ll lock yourself away?”
He nods. “Yes. So I don’t attempt to kill him for fucking my mate.”
My eyes widen. “Hades?—”
“I know you think I’m a monster, Serapina. And I am to an extent. All Alphas are. But I amyourmonster, mate or not. With that comes a possessive need toclaim.” He looks at me, and I can almost see his beast peering out at me through his intensely dark eyes. “You have no idea how difficult it will be for me to stay away from you during your estrus, but I will. If that’s your choice.”
He pushes up and off the couch.
“Hades,” I start again.
“I’m sorry, Serapina,” he whispers before I can say anything else. “But I’m going to fix this. And to do that, I need to have a long-overdue discussion with Maliki.”
He looks at me, and the agony in his eyes renders me speechless.
“I’m going to ensure that the bedroom is properly prepared for your comfort. When I return, I’ll answer whatever questions you have… then I’ll go find Maliki.”
I frown after him, confused by his abrupt departure.
So I get up and follow him.
And find myself in a massive bedroom adorned with crystalized skulls.
Not real remains, but intricately carved stones and icy decor.
“Wow,” I breathe, causing Hades to still by the bed. “This is… unique.” I mean that as a compliment. It’s cold and beautiful. Yet eerie, too.
He stares at me like he can’t quite believe his eyes. Maybe he didn’t hear me follow him.
Or perhaps he’s surprised by my reaction to the macabre adornments. But I like the chilling scene. It’s oddly inviting, despite the undertones of death.
Hades visibly shakes himself and waves his hand over the bed—where a pile of fuzzy blankets forms. “Let me know if you need more,” he says.
I study the luxurious mound, then look around for the other amenities. A sudden craving hits me, one I can’t quite explain. But after the day I’ve had, I decide to indulge in the instinct.
